On September 11, 2001, a terrible thing happened in New York City that would affect the airline industry forever. A group of terrorists flew two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The damage to the two buildings caused them to collapse, and thousands of people lost their lives. As a result of that day, security at airports has become tighter to make it more difficult for terrorists to take certain things onto airplanes. The hope is that this will help keep air travellers safe from another hostile takeover of an aircraft. Air traffic controllers now use improved technology to monitor the skies.. New equipment and better facilities are being developed nationwide to make sure each and every person who flies on an American plane reaches his or her destination safely.
In November, 2001, President Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, or the ATSA. One provision of this act requires every airport security worker to be a Federal employee. This gave the government greater control over airport security procedures.
Security in airports has become much tighter since the attacks on September 11. Before the attacks, travellers could bring bottles of water, shampoo, and other liquids onto airplanes in their carryon luggage. Today, the maximum amount of liquid that can be carried onto an aircraft is 3.4 ounces. Sharp objects, chemicals, candles, cooking oils, and gel shoe inserts may only be transported in checked luggage. Guns, explosive and flammable materials, lighters, knives, and other dangerous items are not allowed on planes at all, even in checked luggage. Prior to September 11, 2001, people were allowed to travel with these items.
Due to the events on September 11, 2001, airlines lost more than twenty-six billion dollars. All air travel was prohibited for several days following the attacks, costing the airlines millions of dollars. After the attacks, people were afraid to fly. There was a lot of uncertainty because people were afraid of more terrorist attacks.
As time passed without any additional attacks, people gradually relaxed and started to return to air travel. In June 2008, air travel was the second highest method of transportation in the United States. This shows that people are comfortable with the security procedures that are now in place and that they feel safe traveling on airplanes again.
